Chapter 274: Sneaking through the Forbidden Sea

Several islands above the Western Sea began to quake, and many of the spirit beasts residing there mirrored Xiao Chi’s fearful expression, cowering and trembling on the ground.

Chen Xun and his companions suddenly appeared on one of these islands. Black Ox's eyes focused as it wielded the formation flag, and within moments, they vanished again.

Chen Xun clasped his two fingers before his chest, his entire body glowing with the light of the Five Elements, countering the pressure from the rapid, successive teleportations.

The Hanging Heaven's Gate had closed at some point, and they didn't want any mishaps. There was no time for hesitation.

*Buzz... Buzz...*

The islands emitted a constant hum. The tremors were so intense that even the coastline was awash with waves, and the pressure between heaven and earth grew stronger. Xiao Chi panted heavily, his Nascent Soul state suppressed to its limit.

“Moo!” Black Ox let out a long bellow as dust billowed on the island—this was their final stop in the Western Sea.

“Old Ox, head to the Forbidden Sea!” Chen Xun’s expression was stern, surrounded by waves of formation energy that were far stronger than before. “Move out.”

“Moo~” Black Ox nodded solemnly, its eyes filled with focus, paying no attention to Xiao Chi.

A column of light shot into the sky, causing the island’s ground to quake. Roars of spirit beasts echoed—this was their territory!

But upon seeing the two figures, the beasts shrank back, quickly turning away. Some even paused to nibble on grass in passing, signaling their friendly intent.

Once Chen Xun and his companions disappeared, the Five Elements Formation began to obscure the teleportation array. The spirit beasts, feeling the pressure lift, shook off their fear and regained their vigor.

The sky dimmed, and the sea darkened as they entered the Forbidden Sea once more.

The abandoned mine pit still stood, hidden within these islands where no cultivator could easily venture—a place of utmost secrecy.

Xiao Chi, exhausted from the repeated teleportations, felt the overwhelming presence of his two brothers, wondering what powerful techniques they had cultivated to suppress even their Nascent Soul and spiritual energy.

Chen Xun and Black Ox exchanged a look, each taking a deep breath before pulling out the ancient War Realm Camp token from their storage rings.

The token emitted a loud hum, pointing toward the end of the Forbidden Sea.

“Let’s go.”

“Moo~”

“Brother Xun, Brother Ox, I, the Flameglow Ancient Lion, will...”

Before Xiao Chi could finish, the teleportation array activated, forcefully transporting him. His voice echoed across the island, filled with mournful determination.

It felt like ages had passed.

They returned to the desolate island where they had once stood—void of life, shrouded in a dark and oppressive atmosphere. This time, their bandit gear covered them completely.

Chen Xun and Black Ox leaped into the air, heading toward the coastline, with Xiao Chi following, struggling to muster his strength.

Standing over the black sea, they raised their hands in unison. Xiao Chi, stationed at the shore, watched his two brothers intently.

*Boom! Boom!*

A colossal shadow emerged between their hands, with intricate runes and patterns on the ship manifesting vividly. The Five Elements energy of the world surged toward the projection.

Waves erupted across the calm black sea, and the ground shook as if some terrifying entity was awakening.

An extraordinary tree with glimmering black-and-white leaves spread its branches from the projection, gradually solidifying. The glow intensified, shining brightly as if it were coming to life.

Chen Xun and Black Ox’s eyes sharpened, their bodies enveloped in divine light. A massive ship crashed into the black sea with an earth-shaking roar.

“Brothers, board the ship. Time to sneak through the gate.”

“Moo!”

“On my way, Brother Xun!!”

Xiao Chi shouted enthusiastically. He had always liked Brother Crane, especially when protected by it—its safety made him feel invincible.

*Buzz! Buzz!*

A deep hum echoed in all directions, breaking the long silence at the sea’s edge.

Black Ox swung its hoof, unleashing the power of the Five Elements. Streams of light shot out like a river, allowing the formation flag to take full control of the ship.

The Crane Spirit Five Elements Tree rustled, emitting a soft glow from its leaves, enhancing the ship’s formation.

The ship accelerated rapidly, cutting through the waves and covering miles in an instant.

Three days later.

Chen Xun and Black Ox stood at the front of the ship, gazing solemnly at the sky.

The massive purple-golden barrier, stretching across the horizon, remained sealed—it didn’t appear to be connected to the Hanging Heaven's Gate.

“Damn it,” Chen Xun cursed under his breath, annoyed that, despite their efforts, an obstacle still remained.

“Moo~” Black Ox patted Chen Xun, assuring him. It sensed that this formation was indeed linked to the Four Immortal Mountains. The connection was undeniable—this was a grand array.

Chen Xun nodded slightly; they had to rely on Black Ox’s expertise.

Xiao Chi stood on the deck, watching the two figures with admiration in his eyes.

“Moo!!!”

Black Ox rose with a roar, shaking the surrounding sea. Thunder and lightning raged, mist rose, and waves surged.

It summoned the War Realm Camp token, infusing it with the power of the Five Elements. The token emitted a thunderous roar as it shot toward the barrier.

Black Ox’s gaze was fierce. It formed hand seals, guiding the token like a blood-red arrow toward the barrier.

This was the key to breaking the formation!

*Boom! Boom! Boom!*

As the token collided with the formation, a weak point emerged. Blinding light burst forth, and Black Ox ascended, unleashing divine radiance. A massive formation wheel materialized beneath its hooves.

Fierce winds whipped around it, and an ancient, terrifying silhouette appeared—a colossal figure that commanded the Five Elements, shaking the heavens.

“Moo!!”

A deafening roar echoed from the figure, as if from ancient times. Four oxen hooves extended from the shadow, followed by several massive ox heads, their eyes cold and domineering. The phantom grew, towering like a giant before the purple-gold barrier.

At its center, five flowers absorbed the Five Elements of the universe, glowing like divine lotuses.

The power of the Five Elements poured down like grains of sand, filling the phantom. The black sea swelled violently.

It was the image of a five-headed, ten-armed beast!

“Brother Ox... What... what is this?!!”

Xiao Chi shouted, frothing at the mouth before fainting. The sight was beyond his comprehension.

At the bow, Black Ox commanded, the phantom extending its arms to power the War Realm Camp token.

Its surroundings were filled with formations. Acting as the core, it used its power to exploit the weak point in the ancient array.

“Black Ox... impressive.” Chen Xun was awestruck, doubting himself for a moment before shouting, “Old Ox, charge!”

“Moo moo!!”

Black Ox’s eyes were fierce as it swung its hoof and the formation flag, charging at the ancient formation with unwavering determination.

The blood-red token fully activated, causing the ancient formation to tremble. Dazzling purple-golden light filled the sky.

Cracks appeared in the fabric of the sky as the barrier split open, and for the first time in ages, light shone upon the black sea.

The ancient array had been breached by Black Ox!

“What the... What the...”

Chen Xun’s jaw dropped, dazzled by the sight above. “I have to say, Brother Ox, you’ve really outdone yourself...”

“Moo~~~” Black Ox snorted, exhaling a massive breath before turning to grin at Chen Xun.

“Legendary!!”

“Moo!!”

Black Ox’s aura faded slightly, and it beamed with pride at Chen Xun’s praise.

It swiftly returned to the ship’s helm, nuzzling Chen Xun, but the colossal shadow remained, its presence still felt.

Chen Xun laughed, patting Black Ox before turning his gaze forward to the dark, icy path ahead.

“Brothers, let’s go to the battlefield and slay the corrupted beings.”

“Moo~”

Rustle.

“Of course, Brother Xun...” Xiao Chi managed to open his eyes, still shivering. “Brother Ox... mighty as ever!”

“Moo~” Black Ox reassured Xiao Chi, signaling that Brother Xun hadn’t yet unleashed his full power.

*Buzz!*

The ship sped across the turbulent sea. The black waters ahead calmed, and the token returned to Black Ox’s hoof. The path was now open.

Their mission? To slay the corrupted and block the source!

A chilling aura seeped from the passage, testing their spirits, bodies, and minds, surpassing even the horrors of the Forbidden Sea’s legacy.

Chen Xun and Black Ox exchanged solemn glances, their mouths curving into confident smiles.

An incense stick’s time later, their ship entered the golden passage, their stealth mission finally complete. But despite their success, Chen Xun’s expression remained grave.

Darkness—an endless expanse of darkness. The tunnel offered no light or signs of life. It felt like a deathly void, cold and unknown.

Black Ox had already set up formations on the ship as a precaution, ensuring their escape route was secure.

Throughout their journey, they had never gambled on chance. Even in life-threatening situations, they avoided unnecessary risks.

Chen Xun crossed his arms, and three mountain-splitting axes appeared on his back. A terrifying shadow loomed behind him.

Black Ox stepped forward, a massive black coffin on its back, radiating deathly energy that pushed back the chilling aura.

Chen Xun raised a hand skyward; Black Ox did the same. Their synchronized movements, paired with their flapping black robes, stirred up a terrifying pressure.

*Boom! Boom! Boom!*

Red light erupted in the darkness as enormous, blazing Five Elements wheels appeared around them. Meteor-like stones emerged from the wheels, drawing the Five Elements’ power in torrents.

Chen Xun’s masterpiece—Starfall Technique!

“Brother Xun, I... I can’t take it anymore...” Xiao Chi shivered, overwhelmed by the red light and the monstrous shadows of his two brothers. He fainted once again.

At that moment, the Crane Spirit Five Elements Tree unleashed its divine radiance, infusing the ship with its power and propelling it forward even faster.

*Boom!*

The ship accelerated further, plunging into the depths of the tunnel. No one in the realm suspected that some of its most fearsome entities were sneaking in.

On this day, the corrupted beings on the War Realm would once again remember the terror inflicted by immortals. Their two destined nemeses were about to arrive—let the battle begin!